REMEMBER TO GET PERMIT BEFORE REMOVING TREES

Fearing a rash of what Wellington calls "cut-and-run" operators, the village is reminding residents that trees removed from private property require a permit, whether they are healthy or not.

A bulletin on the village Web site warns that penalties for failure to obtain a tree removal permit can be $240 or more.

"We have cited a couple of tree removal companies. We recently cited one $250 for not having a permit or occupational license," said Marty Hodgkins, the village's community development director.

Village officials said some operators are capitalizing on the damage created by hurricanes Wilma and Frances.

"Some of the biggest problems we have are with tree removal contractors who will come in and not get a permit," Hodgkins said.

It costs $60 for a permit, but the fee is usually charged only when the property owner wants to remove healthy trees. The village doesn't charge a fee to remove dead or diseased trees, but the homeowner still has to apply for the permit, Hodgkins said.

Wellington resident Robert Gunn, 70, said he has lost as many as 60 trees, first to hurricane damage, then to pine beetle infestation. Gunn said he hasn't had a problem obtaining a tree removal permit. "They granted it immediately," he said.

Other municipalities in Palm Beach County have similar regulations and require tree removal permits.

A permit is not required in Boca Raton if the property is a single-family residence not in an historical district.